Meet Chris Vaccarino | Founder & CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Vaccarino and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, how do you think about risk?
Risk-taking is a necessity when starting a company. Without risk, there would be no opportunity. You have to take that leap and go all-in on what you believe will become a successful business. There are ways to minimize risk – such as starting a side hustle that could eventually turn into your main gig – but your time and energy will need to focus on really growing your business without distractions. I always wanted to start and own my own business and see my parents’ entrepreneurial spirits instilled that drive towards my future at a very young age. After establishing my company, reflecting on the necessities during the beginning stages was eye-opening. A support system is also crucial.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Growing up I was dancing, acting, and entertaining, and performing was everything to me because I knew I was making someone a little happier. Later in life, I found myself on the road with my brother Chad’s band, A Great Big World, where I’d help with merchandise sales and tour manager duties across the U.S. Touring with them at each venue made me realize how powerful their music was and how their fans were so passionate, dedicated, and embraced each performance by the band. The power behind the music was inspiring and seeing how their fans would drive for 8 hours to attend the concert or tattoo lyrics of their favorite song on themselves, confirmed this. Being around this energy made me realize how much I missed creating these special moments for people, which is when I decided to create something just as magical; Fanjoy.

I launched Fanjoy as a subscription box company where fans could receive a quarterly care package from their favorite musician filled with exclusive merchandise and products from brands they love. From there, we kept adapting the company to what we saw trending in the Creator market and eventually started to focus on building brands around these Creators with large followings. Now with a lineup of over 100 content creators, we work with talent ranging from content creators and brands to athletes and podcasts.

When creating a company from scratch, challenges are inevitable but for me, failure was just never an option. Having the desire and determination to make this a success kept me pushing even when it seemed impossible. Every 10 “nos” I received a “yes” and each yes kept the fire building in me and the team that we’re on the right track.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
An LA trip really isn’t an LA trip without some great breakfast and views. I’d make sure they connect with a super important person with some breakfast at Soho House Malibu, Great White in Venice, Destroyer in Culver City, stroll to Gjusta for literally one of everything, and then Abbot Kinney for a nice dirty chai from Intelligentsia Coffee Bar.

A walk around the Getty, Griffith Observatory, Runyon Canyon for spectacular views of the city and then get some lunch at République Café Bakery or a smoothie from Make Out in Culver City.

Dinner in LA is extraordinary. I’d make sure they go to Jon and Vinny’s twice. Freedman’s, Gjelina, Pizzana, Din Tai Fung, and Crossroads Kitchen where [fun fact] I saw Jay Z eating dinner with Chris Martin.

I also love early morning trips to the beach and making sure the vibes in the early morning are high.

To top off the visit, we’ll go catch a Dodgers game with a Dodger Dog in one hand and nachos in the other. Or we’ll see Lebron James and the Los Angeles Lakers at the Crypto.com arena where only good times exist.

The city has it all. I love LA.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My wife was my support system when I started my company without income for a few years. She believed in me, the business, and how it could support our family in the long run. Her motivation has enabled me to go all-in and create the business we have now.

Website: https://fanjoy.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisvaccarino/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisvaccarino/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FanjoyCo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fanjoyco/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/Fanjoy

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fanjoy